Elevated pyrrole is a common undiagnosed feature of many emotional and behavioural disorders in children. Pyroluria causes the body to over-produce a group of compounds known as kryptopyrroles. The measurement of urinary kryptopyrroles may be indicated for individuals with behavioural and emotional disorders such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and even more serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

 

Pyroluria can be genetic, or induced by oxidative stress, and the presence of kryptopyrroles in the urine usually correlates with nutrient deficiency. Kryptopyrroles bind irreversibly to vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and zinc, rendering them inactive and depleting them from the body through urinary excretion.

 

A deficiency of arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) is also common in pyroluria.

 

When these nutrients bind to the kryptopyrroles the nutrients are no longer available to complete their important roles as co-factors in neurotransmitter production, enzyme production and activation and metabolism.

 

This can further aggravate a patient’s symptoms:

–      Anxiety

–      Irritability

–      Light sensitivity

–      Reduced ability to cope with stress

–      Acting out (in children)

–      Tempe tantrums

 

Pyroluria is stress-related and when symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, behavioural problems etc are brought on by stressors, testing for urinary kryptopyrroles should definitely be considered.

 

It has also been proposed that pyroluria may be due to a stress-induced variance in intestinal permeability, which allows kryptopyrroles to re-enter systemic circulation.

Originally identified in the 1950s by Dr Abram Hoffer, Dr Humphrey Osmond and Dr Carl Pfeiffer, pyroluria results in an overproduction of pyrroles or hydroxyhaemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL). HPL is a by-product of haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis and reflects an abnormality in the synthesis and metabolism of haemoglobin.

Most individuals have low levels of pyrroles at any given time, but pyrroles is identified by an unusually elevated level of pyrroles in the urine. Most children have less than 10mcg/dL of HPL in their urine. The upper limit of normal for HPL varies between 8-20 mcg/dL and levels greater than 20 mcg/dL are positive for pyrroles.

Elevated pyrroles (HPL) have been documented in many cognitive, affective, and neuro-behavioural disorders and is linked to the following conditions:

–      ADHD

–      Autism

–      Learning Difficulties

–      Bi-Polar disorder

–      Anxiety

–      Depression

–      Epilepsy

–      Learning difficulties

 

Who Does It Affect?

Pyrrole disorder affects up to 10% of the population, and the incidence can increase to 18-35% in people with psychological disturbances, learning or behavioural problems. Children with behavioural issues, ADHD, and autism have been found to have pyrrole disorder with association with high levels of oxidative stress.

Although HPL concentrations tend to be high in patients with mental illness, elevated levels of HPL are not specific to these patients.

Subjects with elevated histamine levels may also have elevated HPL, indicating an allergy component to the condition.

Genetic Basis

There is evidence that pyrrole disorder is a genetic condition. If one parent has pyrrole disorder then there is a 50% chance that it may be passed onto a child. If both parents are affected then there is a 75% chance of inheriting the disorder. Even if just one family member is affected it is recommended that familial genetic testing be investigated.

Epigenetic vulnerability is associated with pyrrole disorder. The severity of the condition is impacted by stress and may also be triggered by a traumatic event.

Symptoms Manifest as Nutrient Deficiency

 

Pyrroles bind several nutrient cofactors, in particular vitamin B6 and zinc, essentially rendering them unavailable for use by the body. B6 and zinc are critical for digestion, immune function, cognition and emotion, and chronic depletion can have serious consequences on wellbeing. The signs and symptoms of pyrrole disorder correlate with a deficiency of B6 and zinc.

A combination of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms as well as stress are associated with pyroluria, so it is important to consider that not everyone that exhibits these symptoms will have pyrrole disorder, and not everyone with the disorder will have all of the symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of pyrrole disorder may include:

–      Poor dream recall

–      Mid morning nausea

–      Poor appetite

–      White spots on nails

–      Stretch marks

–      Pale complexion

–      Digestive complaints

–      Joint and/or skin complaints

–      Anxiety

–      Mood swings

–      Sensitivity to noise and/or lights

–      Prone to histrionics (dramatic)

Nutrients including biotin, magnesium and manganese are also altered in this condition due to their intricate association with B6 and zinc and their biochemical roles in metabolism and neurotransmission.

Testing for Pyrroles

 

To arrange for an appointment to discuss pyrrole testing and treatment plan for your child please call Fleur on 0431-713-688.